Severe Storms, Possible Tornadoes Threaten The Tri-State Area

The tri-state area is bracing for a second round of severe summer storms that could bring damaging winds, hail, heavy downpour and possible tornadoes that may cause widespread power outages across the region, meteorologists say.

A first round of storms thundered through the area Thursday morning, bringing quick, heavy downpours and multiple lightning strikes, one of which struck a house in New Jersey.

Meteorologists say a second, more powerful storm is expected to hit the region some time between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Evening storms will bring very heavy rain in a short period of time and isolated tornadoes are possible in northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley, meteorologists say. Flash flooding may be a problem in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. The storms will also produce tremendous amounts of lightning, which can cause a number of problems, including power outages.

Consolidated Edison says it is monitoring approaching rain and windstorms approaching and will respond to any service outages or other emergencies.

The utility said that high winds could knock trees into power lines, transformers and other equipment. Anyone who sees downed electrical they should report them to Con Ed or to the police.

Forecasters have predicted a moderate risk of severe weather for the state, which they say is fairly rare for this part of the country. Temperatures are expected to rise as the afternoon storm nears, capping off at about 90 degrees but with such intense humidity it will feel closer to 100.

Severe weather is expected to wind down after midnight, though meteorologists say yet another round of strong storms will pummel the region Friday afternoon and evening. Those storms are not expected to be as intense as those predicted for Thursday afternoon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is urging New Yorkers to be prepared for the severe weather. He says the State Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 1 p.m. Thursday and urged residents to pay close attention to local radio and television reports.

Officials say families and individuals should have an emergency kit and an emergency plan in place. The kit should include items such as non-perishable food, water, a portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries.

The severe weather comes during a lockout of Con Ed’s 8,000 unionized workers. About 5,000 managers and replacement workers are keeping electricity going for 3.2 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.